Knicks versus Heat matchup: centers

Knicks' center Tyson Chandler will need to have a bigger role in the offense sans Carmelo Anthony (lacerated hand). Howard Smith/US Presswire

The Knicks (13-4) take their talents to South Beach tonight, but are unsure about who will actually be available against the defending champion Miami Heat (12-4).

The status of New York's MVP candidate, Carmelo Anthony, is still up in the air, although both Knicks' head coach Mike Woodson, and the Heat's head coach Erik Spoelstra, believe the all-star will be ready.

Anthony lacerated his left hand late in last night's win over the Charlotte Bobcats while diving out of bounds for a loose ball, but thankfully for him, the Knicks, and faithful, it's not his famous shooting hand.

Even though Anthony is out tonight, it's still a daunting task for Miami because the Knicks are getting healthy and almost full strength -- Iman Shumpert and Amar'e Stoudemire, withstanding of course.

Miami may be banged-up, but counter their health problems with the best player in the league, LeBron James. The reigning MVP is leading the way, averaging 24.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.

The following is a position-by-position breakdown, and up next is the small forward matchup:

KNICKS, Tyson Chandler -- He'll have a great battle tonight, because the Heat go small, meaning the reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be most likely battle power forward Chris Bosh. Chandler's length and improved pick-and-roll capabilities will be fun to watch, as he and Bosh will have a physical chess match of sorts as they both like to run the high screen-and-rolls. Chandler will need to have a more prominent role on the offensive end since Anthony isn't in the lineup.

HEAT, Chris Bosh -- A long time starter at power forward, Bosh has been the regular starter at center, since the Heat lack the traditional presence in the post. Bosh is no slouch as a center, though, as he's averaging 19.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and shooting a blistering .560 from the field. The new-wave of centers looks to be here to stay, as most teams in the league play small-ball and don't have a natural big man clogging up the paint, anyway.

Synopsis -- This may be the most intriguing matchup of the night, as Chandler is a brilliant defender, while Bosh has a deep repertoire of offensive moves, Whoever wins this battle could go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.